RismadarVoice Reporters
February 19, 2026
Proceedings in the trial of a Facebook user, Princess God’sown Udoito over alleged defamatory publications against the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, were stalled on Thursday, 19th February, 2026, at Akwa Ibom State High Court, Uyo.
The matter had been adjourned to 19th February, 2026, for continuation of evidence-in-chief of the first prosecution witness, Ememobong Nicholas, Esquire, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Documentation and his cross-examination.
However, the absence of the defendant’s lead counsel, Akpadiaha Ebitu, Esq., and members of his legal team prevented the trial from going forward.
When the court, presided over by Hon. Justice Winifred Umohandi, commenced sitting at exactly 10a.m, the case was the first to be called.
The prosecution team, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Friday Itim, Esq., announced their appearance on behalf of the State.
Also present in court was the first prosecution witness, Ememobong Nicholas, Esq., alongside the defendant, Princess God’sown Udoito, who was brought to court by officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Uyo.
However, no member of the defence team was in attendance.
Addressing the court, the DPP declared the prosecution’s readiness to proceed.
He informed the court that, in compliance with a request made by the defence at the previous sitting, the prosecution had provided a large television screen and loudspeakers to enable the court view certain video recordings allegedly made and published by the defendant on her Facebook page.
The prosecution had earlier described the videos as defamatory to the Governor and capable of disturbing public peace.
Despite the prosecution’s preparedness, proceedings could not continue due to the absence of defence counsel.
Mr. Itim further informed the court that he had received a letter dated 18th February, 2026, addressed to the Clerk of Court and signed by Mr. Ebitu, seeking an adjournment on health grounds.
The letter was read in open court by Justice Umohandi.
In it, Mr. Ebitu expressed regret over his inability to attend court, stating that he developed serious breathing difficulties after leaving court the previous day, 19th February 18 and that his blood pressure had risen to an alarming level.
“My consultant cardiologist has therefore placed me on medication and bed rest for two to three days. I regret any inconveniences this might cause the court while you bring this to the earliest attention of His Lordship and cause the charge to be adjourned to any of these dates subject to the court’s convenience: 25/2/2026, 3/3/2026 or 4/3/2026.” the letter read.
The senior lawyer, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Eket Branch, also stated that the defendant wished that he personally continue to lead her defence throughout the trial.
After considering the application, Justice Umohandi held that since the request was based on health grounds, the court would grant the adjournment in the interest of justice and fairness.
The matter was consequently adjourned to Tuesday, 3rd March and Wednesday, 4th March, 2026, for continuation of evidence of the first prosecution witness and cross-examination.
It would be recalled that proceedings were similarly stalled at the previous sitting on Wednesday, 18th February, 2026, when the prosecution sought to play the Facebook videos in open court.
The defence had objected on the ground that the television screen available in court was not clearly visible to the judge and members of the gallery and requested a larger screen to ensure proper viewing.
The court granted the request and adjourned to 19th February, 2026.
At Thursday’s sitting, although the prosecution produced the requested large screen projector with loudspeakers, the absence of the defence team again halted proceedings.
The DPP drew the court’s attention to the fact that the lead defence counsel had appeared at the previous sitting with a team of more than 17 lawyers and argued that any one of them could have represented the defendant in his absence.
He urged the court to note that the prosecution had complied fully with the defence’s earlier request regarding the display equipment.
With the adjournment granted, the trial is now set to resume in March.
